Monterey and Carmel are classic getaway spots here in the Bay Area and it's easy to see why. With views of the ocean peering out from between the many tourist spots you don't need to veer far from the basic footpath to enjoy your stay. But you will be rewarded if you take a detour and see what the
rest of Carmel Valley has to offer.

For me, I love the area off West Carmel Valley Road with its less-hurried wineries, cafes and shops all tucked away in what feels like a secret hideaway. Some of my favorite afternoons have been spent lingering over a late lunch with the golden glow of summer sun peeking through the trees.

Am I a bit of a romantic? Maybe, although being recently single may be prompting such a feeling. But truly, if you want a path-less-travelled feeling, do check it out.

It seems like destiny that my current (new) job is located almost directly across from my favorite restaurant, Marlowe. And with the close proximity you'd think I'd visit every day. But unfortunately it's a favorite of many and the long line out the door for lunch prohibits a lot of drop-in behavior on my part. Fortunately, when I do have a break and can scoot out it's across the street I go.

Not only does Marlowe remain a favorite place for me but the mushroom soup has become a favorite dish. Who knew such simplicity (although I bet this is NOT simple to make) could be found in such a homey yet elegant dish?

To make this a truly decedent meal, add on a side of fries and aoli. Oh, and don't take my spot in the lunch lineup!

While surfing through the April issue of Sunset magazine I came across an article about BSide BBQ in Oakland and the owner, Tanya Holland. Always on the lookout for my faves: brisket, mac and cheese and a side of cornbread I just knew this was on my list of "eating to-do's".

As we were making our way to a concert in Concord (ok...Barry Gibb who was fantastic) we stopped and I found myself in my element. Great sides, amazing sauce and a casual, clean vibe all made the experience such a nice treat.

The owner really knows her stuff when it comes to marinades and the meat itself (go look up point cut and deckle). It's always impressive to see passion fused with knowledge because you can almost taste it in the end result. Deeply flavored from end-to-end with solid execution. A winner!

There's nothing better than cornbread and slowly melting butter!

Not sure this photo does justice to the mac and cheese, but trust me, it's good!

Located in North Beach, Don Pistos is an under-the-radar place that serves really good Mexican food. Signage from the street is very subtle and only the people standing outside give away the fact that something great is going on inside.

That "great" is a delicious take on Mexican street food from tacos to tamales and a whole host of other items we didn't get to. What we tasted - the fish tacos, tacos al pastor and tamales with charred green chile and cheese - all divine. Oh, and we also downed a boatload of those super crispy, salty chips. Try as I might, I just could not stop eating them (and they kept magically appearing too!)

I absolutely cannot wait to go back. Hint: if you don't have reservations the cozy bar is a nice option.

Good food, bad photo, but I'm posting anyway so you'll have to try Don Pistos on your own!

Jack London Square in Oakland boasts an impressive lineup of places to dine with brunch being one of my favorites. It's the perfect time of day to take in a view of the water and relax with glass - and fork - in hand.

A recent visit found us at Lungomare where the tantalizing descriptions made food selections difficult. We settled on ricotta pancakes (robust in flavor but light in texture) and scrambled egg panini. Both were delicious.

The menu at Lungomare

Although I stuck with my usual beverage, coffee - I prefer to take my calories in hearty food! - I couldn't resist this photo of my friend's mimosa. It's like a wonderful work of art - in a glass.